The world’s largest mass timber conference is now under way in Portland, Oregon, USA, and has attracted a mass gathering of more than 2000 experts in the field.
The 7th annual International Mass Timber Conference from March 27-29 is exploring building systems such as CLT, glulam, mass plywood panels, dowel-laminated timber … and the obstacles in global design, construction, development and manufacturing.
The conference is run by the Forest Business Network based in Montana and has attracted 60 speakers and 130 exhibitors.
In recent weeks Arnie Didier, the founder of the Forest Business Network, spoke about the importance of forest health in driving Mass Timber.
Australian representation: great opportunity to strengthen partnerships
Australia is represented by Andrew Dunn, CEO, Timber Development Association, who will also join industry tours of mass timber building and manufacturing plants in the region.
Mr Dunn who has a Civil-Structural Engineering degree from the University of Sydney and a Masters of Timber Engineering from Central Queensland University, has 33 years’ experience in the building industry.
“The conference is a great opportunity for showcasing Australia’s mass-timber manufacturing and building industry, while connecting with stakeholders and strengthening partnerships on a global level.”
Andrew Dunn, CEO of Timber Development Association from the conference in Portland
Andrew Dunn will be providing a report about the conference exclusively for Wood Central in the coming weeks.
Strong Canadian presence at the conference: Mass Timber Action Plan
British Columbia Minister for Trade Jagrup Brar, who heads a mission from Canada, will meet industry leaders, investors and government officials to showcase the province’s mass-timber industry, attract foreign direct investment, and build on existing relationships.
“Mass-timber construction plays an important role in advancing ‘CleanBC’ climate goals by providing a smaller carbon footprint that lasts throughout the life of the building, compared to using concrete,” Mr Brar said.
‘CleanBC’ is British Columbia’s commitment to lower carbon emissions by 40% over the next seven years. With low embodied timbers playing a key role in achieving that goal:
“The trade mission to Portland will support the goals of British Columbia’s Mass Timber Action Plan, which maps the way to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, boosting the value-added forest economy, creating a future workforce that is more inclusive, resilient and adaptable, and creating economic opportunities for people in every part of the province.”
He said the plan builds on British Columbia’s strong economic recovery and works to address two long-standing challenges – inequality and climate change – by closing the skills gap, building resilient communities and helping businesses and people transition to clean-energy solutions.
• Watch Andrew Dunn’s exclusive Wood Central report on the conference and industry tours in the coming weeks.
